Above 1200 Sq/FT Restored 1930's Auto Shop

[mwbailey]

Nice frame, BB767! I like your angle iron template. I'd make one myself but I would probably get it out of square and then wonder why everything I welded turned out only "some plumb"! On the other hand, taking the corner off of a carpenter's square is something I can do and makes lots of sense. That is particularly workable since the builders left a square that's hung from my pumphouse for a few months and is now a bit rusty. I'll clean it up and use it. . . . On the other hand, I'm not sure I can afford a supply of clamps like you have. Maybe my ship will come in soon. This could be a puzzle, "How many clamps does it take to make a cabinet frame?" I count 10 or 12.

 

[markviii]

Welcome, mwbailey. Isn't that what garage sales/craig's list/etc are for? Finding those little things you just might need one of these days. Then they start collecting like "dust bunnies" and you'll be trying to find a way to declutter (or end up with a tool shed like the one Tom still needs to explore for the good of the cause). BTW, nice barn build.

Also, welcome, dhickey79. Thanks for making our thread your first post (that seems to be happening lately with new people to the thread).

Chris

 

[glenn27]

Thomas--This is truly an inspiration and good reading on a cold winter's eve.....


Like to go back and look at some of the original pictures, then move forward and see what you have done. Truly a classic!

Question--can you actually feel the original owners in there with you some evenings when it's really quiet?

I know he'd be proud!

glenn

 

[hobbitss]

I found this secret Video of Thomas' Wood shop in action...

http://www.frankmakes.com/

This explains how he gets so much work done...

 

[harley jim]

hello Thomas and Chris, I am on page 289 and closing. only 100 pages to go. I am about 20 minutes from the towing and recovery museum in Chattanooga, soooo next time youall are going to be in Chattanooga I need to say hi and maby show you guys the area. (I used to live in Chicago hence the token(you guys)or yous guys). Great reading. Harley Jim

 

[BB767]

Continuation of Wall Shop Shelves (WSS)

Before I begin, here's a Helpful Test Hint (HTH.) Are you aware Chris is making a list of all the acronyms used in this thread? I'm just sayin......

The shelves have a wood component to them. 3/4" (1.9cm) plywood was used except for the barn shelf, I used two 3/4" panels making it 1.5" (3.8cm) thick. I don't like to see the raw edge of plywood, so solid wood banding was made to finish the shelf edges.



A sycamore (seen) and walnut board were selected from the barn lumber stock...



...and taken to the wood shop. One edge of each board was straighten with the Yates jointer and then a narrower board was ripped (cut) from these original boards on the table saw. That narrow board was run through the Yates thickness planer to get the 3/4" working thickness.



That 3/4" thick strip in turn was then ripped to either 1/2" or...



...1.5" wide as seen here for the banding depending on which shelf it was used. The short board on the right shows what I started with. Ripping a board 1.5" wide isn't a big challenge using an appropriate push stick, but ripping one 1/2" wide is potentially very dangerous to your fingers.



I don't intend for this to be wood working tutorial either, but here's a set up for those unfamiliar with ripping narrow wood stock. It might save a finger or two so it's worth taking a brief look at it. There are several ways to cut narrow stock, this is one way Dad and I have done it through the years. It's not THE way, rather it's just A way.



To cut this board successfully it needs to be held firmly against the rip fence and also held firmly to the saw table. On wider boards this is done with your hand and a push stick. However with narrow cuts, using your hand puts your fingers too close to the saw blade. A "feather board", seen bottom right, is used to apply pressure on the stock against the rip fence as its moved through the cut. With it set on an angle as seen, it resists the board that is being ripped from moving backward.



Next to hold the board down against the saw table two maple hold-downs were cut from thin stock. This set is 1/4" thick. I have others made thicker or thinner depending on what's needed. These are clamped to the rip fence, one in front of the saw blade and one on the exit side of the blade.



Now the board is held entering and exiting the cut. Depending on the work being done you might need to reposition the clamps on the hold-downs.



This gives you an idea how to position the hold-down. It's slightly below the top of the board so the board will push it up when it contacts it. The design of the hold-down allows it to be "springy". It puts downward pressure on the ripped board but not so much pressure that it's hard to move the board through the cut.



Push sticks of various thickness were made depending on the width of the stock being ripped. The ones top and bottom are 1/4" thick, the one in the middle is 1/8" thick for ultra thin cuts.





Here are the walnut and sycamore 1/2" banding strips all cut...



..along with the plywood, everything was moved to the shop and barn as well as all my fingers. Dad was close to 90 years old when he passed away. He had worked with wood and power equipment since he was a teenager and he had all his fingers his whole life. The sign of a successful wood worker.

More is in store, thanks everyone.

Thomas

 

[Brian 40-21]

I finally made it to the end!! I started reading this thread over a year ago, and with everything going on I kind of dropped the ball for a while. -Hope that doesn't hurt my test score I started back a couple weeks ago and told myself that I'm not leaving until I'm done!!
I'm not real sure I can give any more accolades on any your projects that other members have not already mentioned, but I would still like to hand out an AWESOME JOB! Your finite attention to detail is second to none other. I truly enjoy reading about each and every one of your projects - shop related or otherwise!
Being only 3+ hours away, I hope someday to make a stop into the Center of the Universe and possibly say hello!
Thank you both for sharing your journey! Brian

 

[Homebody]

Wow, thanks for the woodworking advice! And the corner cut off the square?
I'm glad there are people in the world to think of all the things I can't!
You've got more neat tools to do stuff right than I have normal tools.

I do have 4 framing squares though (3 from garage sales) One of em is about to get altered.

 

[Jim C.]

I sure do like seeing those old wood working machines!

Jim C.

 

[Firefighter315]

I've seen the video and am just astonished. Even Hollywood couldn't make something bizarre like that up. Totally, completely unbelievable. Who ever carries the museum property insurance must be denial over the whole thing. And why did it have to be the Corvette Museum of all places?!

Speechless Thomas

Thomas and all, here is a link to live streaming video the museum has made available so everyone can check in from time to time and see the removal of the soon to be restored Corvettes. Haven't noticed much action the couple of times I looked today. Local news here said a couple that had donated one or more of the vehicles that fell in were going there to watch them being removed.

http://www.corvettemuseum.org/webcam/camera6.shtml

 

[DRRummel]

I've seen the video and am just astonished. Even Hollywood couldn't make something bizarre like that up. Totally, completely unbelievable. Who ever carries the museum property insurance must be denial over the whole thing. And why did it have to be the Corvette Museum of all places?!

Speechless Thomas

Just goes to show, Mother Nature is also a Ford fan.

 

[BB767]

Awesome thread!

I am very behind on my welcomes but Jamie if you've read this far I know you understand. Glad you enjoyed it up to the ATP. More on the way.

Thomas

WOW! What an amazing process! Thank you very much for sharing all of this...it took quite awhile to read through it all, but well worth it.

I'm a little embarrassed that we're approaching 400 pages on this thread. That's asking a lot of someone's time to read it all. Thanks for sticking with it dhickey79 and your kind words.

Thomas

I finally made it to the end!! ......... ............. I truly enjoy reading about each and every one of your projects - shop related or otherwise!
Being only 3+ hours away, I hope someday to make a stop into the Center of the Universe and possibly say hello!
Thank you both for sharing your journey! Brian

Welcome Brian to our little corner of the internet. I'd like to thank you for not giving up on reading all this. There's a little something for everyone here. Drop me a PM and we'll make sure to set up a shop tour for you. You're too close not to come.

Thomas

Wow, thanks for the woodworking advice! And the corner cut off the square?
I'm glad there are people in the world to think of all the things I can't!
You've got more neat tools to do stuff right than I have normal tools.

I do have 4 framing squares though (3 from garage sales) One of em is about to get altered.

Homebody, you're another veteran who has been with us for quite a while now. Thanks for the compliments, I enjoy sharing and learning from my friends here. That door definitely swings both ways.

Thomas

I sure do like seeing those old wood working machines!

Jim C.

Jim, I hope you can make to the shop one day. You and I will have so much fun prowling around the wood shop.



If you like old machines, the drill press on the left is a Delta from the late 1920's. You've seen the drill press on the right from the mid 1930's and in the background is an old Delta 20" (50.8 cm) bandsaw. I've never taken the time to date it. It's a 3 phase, 220 V saw. All these are original machines with original motors and paint and they get used.


Thomas

 

[BB767]

Well Thomas, you have created quite the environment to enjoy life. Great read.......
....... You are just an amazing story teller. As a life long GA pilot with 4,000 hrs. or so I had great interest the entire trip. Enjoy this phase as you deserve it.

RPageOne you can see how far behind I am since I'm just now getting around to welcoming you to our circle of friends. 4,000 hours is a bunch of GA flying, congratulations on that.

Chris and I have worked pretty hard for most of our lives to be where we are now. It's been very gratifying these last few years to see it all come together and I've been happy to share a bit of it with all my friends. Hope you'll check back here, we're a long way from being done.

Thomas

hello Thomas and Chris, I am on page 289 and closing. only 100 pages to go. I am about 20 minutes from the towing and recovery museum in Chattanooga, soooo next time youall are going to be in Chattanooga I need to say hi and maby show you guys the area. (I used to live in Chicago hence the token(you guys)or yous guys). Great reading. Harley Jim

Greetings to you Jim, this will be waiting for you when you get to this page. Thank you for the invitation for the Chattanooga tour next time we're there. You can bet Chris and I will take you up on that offer, most gracious of you. It is a beautiful area with an intriguing history.
Thank you sir.

Thomas

Thomas-.........

Question--can you actually feel the original owners in there with you some evenings when it's really quiet?

I know he'd be proud!

glenn

And now hello to you glenn. I've held off answering your question as I've been giving it some thought. There is no question at all I feel Mr Johnson's presence in the shop, especially on quiet evenings. Perhaps more so because I have such vivid, early memories of being out there at a young age. When you're only 8 or 10 years old and you see someone working metal it's almost like magic. Sparks flying, hammers chipping at new welds, the smell of burnt welding rod and welding smoke filling the air with the whine of the Rotary Lift in the background. Add to that, some of his equipment is still there and positioned very close to where he had placed it. Plus I'm using his hand tools all the time and every time I reach for one and feel it in my hands I get a vague connection to him. Yup, he's there all right and I bet he'd be amazed at what the shop looks like, but I'm also confident he'd be happy that the shop is still in use and being productive.

Thanks glenn for a thought provoking question and welcome to vortex. You're going to fit right in.

Thomas

 

[BB767]

Thomas and all, here is a link to live streaming video the museum has made available so everyone can check in from time to time and see the removal of the soon to be restored Corvettes. Haven't noticed much action the couple of times I looked today. Local news here said a couple that had donated one or more of the vehicles that fell in were going there to watch them being removed.

http://www.corvettemuseum.org/webcam/camera6.shtml

Thank you Firefighter315 for that link. Didn't realize it existed. The whole thing is still just so unbelievably bazar.

Thomas

Just goes to show, Mother Nature is also a Ford fan.

You might be on to something. ...............Naaaaaaah.

Thomas

 

[BB767]

I found this secret Video of Thomas' Wood shop in action...

http://www.frankmakes.com/

This explains how he gets so much work done...

Joe, I've tried the link but all I get is a home page, no video. I have a Mac, maybe I need a Windows machine to view it?

BTW, with all the snow melting...



...the tool shed is almost approachable once again.

Thomas

 

[hobbitss]

Joe, I've tried the link but all I get is a home page, no video. I have a Mac, maybe I need a Windows machine to view it?

BTW, with all the snow melting...



...the tool shed is almost approachable once again.

Thomas

Woho.... Looking forward to reports from the Tool Shed Museum Dig!!!

Found the video on Youtube and reposted the new link....
There are a lot of cool wood working projects on his site..

 

[harley jim]

It is funny how something gets engrained in a person! I have been reading/lurking mostly, but said hi a few times here and there. Its like time travel I am reading history but can come to the current time and say HI I am here but I want the back story also to feel complete and be a full member. sounds crazy doesn't it. Anyway I was at my favorite little diner up in Ocoee having dinner with my best girl and looking at the walls and enjoying the view and ambiance of the place, they have chickens roaming the parking lot and scratching in the flower beds, and there is this beautiful view of the Appalachian mountains. truly one of the greatest places on earth to dine (Friday night all the catfish and hushpuppys with a side of white beans one can eat) and all I could was think about Joe and how long the winter had been and the anticipation of springtime and the return to the tool shed. So being the humanitarian type I just had to share.

 

[hobbitss]

It is funny how something gets engrained in a person! I have been reading/lurking mostly, but said hi a few times here and there. Its like time travel I am reading history but can come to the current time and say HI I am here but I want the back story also to feel complete and be a full member. sounds crazy doesn't it. Anyway I was at my favorite little diner up in Ocoee having dinner with my best girl and looking at the walls and enjoying the view and ambiance of the place, they have chickens roaming the parking lot and scratching in the flower beds, and there is this beautiful view of the Appalachian mountains. truly one of the greatest places on earth to dine (Friday night all the catfish and hushpuppys with a side of white beans one can eat) and all I could was think about Joe and how long the winter had been and the anticipation of springtime and the return to the tool shed. So being the humanitarian type I just had to share.

Some people might call that "Tool ****" but I like it...

 

[BB767]

Woho.... Looking forward to reports from the Tool Shed Museum Dig!!!

Found the video on Youtube and reposted the new link....
There are a lot of cool wood working projects on his site..

The video was outstanding Joe. Many thanks for that! Wouldn't it be fun to see the shop being restored using that stop action photo technique? Imagine the thousands of pictures it would have taken, but that would be a hoot to see I think.

Thanks again.

Thomas

 

[BB767]

While we're waiting for the stain and finish to dry on the shelves I needed some bee's wax for the threads of the lag screws to install the metal frames on the walls.



I had this large chunk of bulk bees wax that I needed to turn into something a little easier to handle.



Using a small acetylene torch and paper cupcake holders...



...I proceeded to melt some.



Then in just a few minutes...




...it congealed.



I made several as long as I was at it.



Just peal off the paper...



... and Voilà! A small useable cake of bees wax perfect for coating screw threads.

Thomas

 

[Craptain]

Joe, I've tried the link but all I get is a home page, no video. I have a Mac, maybe I need a Windows machine to view it?

Thomas

I think that Frank is a member of this forum. I think I recall seeing his build thread here. I will search for it.

 

[bluestripe67]

Thomas, every time I check in I am amazed at the work/projects you have underway, it's great. One thought for you. With all the work going on have you considered a nice cover for the Vette? That white top may take on an unsightly hue over time if not covered. Ask me how I know. Dennis

The museum mess is upsetting.

 

[hobbitss]

The video was outstanding Joe. Many thanks for that! Wouldn't it be fun to see the shop being restored using that stop action photo technique? Imagine the thousands of pictures it would have taken, but that would be a hoot to see I think.

Thanks again.

Thomas

Given the amount of change that has occurred, that would be an amazing video.. Something to think about going forward with any "Big Project", hint, hint...
You could even do a live web-cam for us willing victims of the vortex...

 

[markviii]

Sounds like a reality show, Joe. Sounds too much like work. I prefer not to think about what I'm doing every waking second. We've put ourselves "out there" already (unwittingly, but by choice?), but a live web cam would be going a bit too far. We like directing our own lives, for our own enjoyment, thank you very much. Letting our ever-increasing circle of friends in on the fun, on our terms, is about as far as it'll go. But, stay tuned for the archeological dig once the weather clears up...

Chris

 

[BB767]

Sounds like a reality show, Joe. Sounds too much like work. I prefer not to think about what I'm doing every waking second. We've put ourselves "out there" already (unwittingly, but by choice?), but a live web cam would be going a bit too far. We like directing our own lives, for our own enjoyment, thank you very much. Letting our ever-increasing circle of friends in on the fun, on our terms, is about as far as it'll go. But, stay tuned for the archeological dig once the weather clears up...

Chris

Chris does this mean the reality show, about an ordinary, fun, but hopelessly in-love couple, still with stars in their eyes, setting out to build their dream retirement home while running into countless missed deadlines, poor materials and sully workman, unwilling to clock all the screws on the project resulting in unbelievable stress that I was going to pitch to the networks is off the table?!
I coulda' been a contender.................

No Emmy Thomas

 

[Bob Heine]

Thomas,
I don't think anyone would buy this as a reality show. More like an unreality show because no one in Hollywood or New York would believe this was a one-family project. Because you and Chris don't watch much TV you are probably unaware that your life would requires multiple shows on different networks -- Velocity for the cars, Discovery for the archaeological dig in the tool shed, Home and Garden TV (HGTV) for the landscaping, Arts & Entertainment (A&E) for the picture framing and the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) channel for the shop remodel and retirement home construction.

Although I am certain you and Chris could juggle all the logistics on your end, my DVR can't record more than four shows simultaneously. Even more important, I know you wouldn't want to permanently scar Joe in the event he misses even the opening credits to the archaeological dig in the Tool Shed show.

 

[Vernmotor]

Funny stuff Bob !

 

[markviii]

Yep...off the table! I don't want to go back in time to the mid-80s when we had the energy to multi-task like that (I don't think that term was even in use back then!). We were always more busy than the average couple (still are), but managed to keep a close set of friends (and add even more) through it all. It's amazing looking back to that time when you were starting a new career (airline pilot) and I was juggling full-time teaching, starting grad school along with a new computer hardware/software business, sitting on two library boards, taking care of our 5 apartment buildings in between making sure the 3-year-old and 6-month old kids were aware they were part of a real family (oh, I forgot real estate and property management and probably something else along the way). Wouldn't change a thing, but wouldn't want to go back to that level of "busy-ness" again. Doing things we want to do when we want to do them is enough of a juggle right now. We've still got lots of things to do during our retirement. The "story" continues.

Chris

 

[hobbitss]

You are all forgetting the number one concept for projects... KISS (Keep It Simple Silly)

I would just set up a wide-angle web cam looking down on the site of the soon to be started Retirement Homestead and let it run.. Pull snap-shots off of the feed at set times (10, 15, 30 or 60 minute) to do your time motion video... I think it would be cool to see the progression of site prep', foundation being excavated, forms for footings and walls installed, then concrete pours, sills, framing & floors, chimney stonework, insulation & siding, doors & windows, roofing & trim, paint, landscaping, plantings, driveways, etc..
Of course this epic recording would need periodic inclusion of detail heavy postings from Thomas so that we all know that the switch plate screws are all properly clocked and the sills are level...

The web cam would also serve as a security monitor for those times when you are not around and someone might be...

 

[rmalkow2]

Yep...off the table! I don't want to go back in time to the mid-80s when we had the energy to multi-task like that (I don't think that term was even in use back then!). We were always more busy than the average couple (still are), but managed to keep a close set of friends (and add even more) through it all. It's amazing looking back to that time when you were starting a new career (airline pilot) and I was juggling full-time teaching, starting grad school along with a new computer hardware/software business, sitting on two library boards, taking care of our 5 apartment buildings in between making sure the 3-year-old and 6-month old kids were aware they were part of a real family (oh, I forgot real estate and property management and probably something else along the way). Wouldn't change a thing, but wouldn't want to go back to that level of "busy-ness" again. Doing things we want to do when we want to do them is enough of a juggle right now. We've still got lots of things to do during our retirement. The "story" continues.

Chris

Amen Chris! Well said. Thomas, you have one smart lady there. Move forward not backward. No web cam needed, we will just enjoy this forum for as long as you are willing to share.

 

[56vette461]

Hey, if some duck call guys can do it, why not the very talented Thomas and Chris? Maybe we need to start a list of the catchy names from your GJ friends!!!??? Smile Chris, I'm just kidding.

 

[BB767]

Apparently since my nascent Television career and the resulting stardom I was confident would follow, was nipped in the bud and evaporating in the mist before my very eyes...........I have time to continue with the follow on to my recent WSS project.

There are actually two parts to this, the barn shelf and the shelves for the old shop.



After powder coating, this is how the barn shelf brackets...



...turned out, nothing glamorous but highly functional.



I wanted a shelf above the SPOUSE bench that would mirror the shelf over the BB, just to the right of the overhead door.



The brackets were installed...



...with stainless steel...



...philips headed sheet metal screws and washers. Due to the nature of the installation it was not wise to try and clock the screws and potentially strip the hole in this case. Besides it's just a barn, right?



Two pieces of 3/4" plywood were glued and screwed together.



That made the shelf 1 1/2" thick and visually made it more to scale for the barn.



As you've seen here before, I don't like raw plywood edges to show so I used the sycamore banding strips I made in the wood shop...



...to finish off the edge of the plywood. Take a close look at the top of that strip and you'll see it's about 1/16" above the shelf proper. I did that in case, over time, vibrations from opening and closing the overhead door might vibrate items around on the shelf. That little lip will help keep items from falling off the shelf if that does happen.



With the banding...





...installed the shelf...



...was stained with a natural stain and then given 3 coats of Varathane finish, hand sanding lightly with 180 between the first two coats and finishing lightly with 220 on the banding strips only.



Here's a better look at the 1/16" lip all around the edge of the shelf. You can also see the screws that were used to fasten the two pieces of plywood together. I screwed it from the top side since the shelf is so high on the wall you'll never see them, but you would have if I'd screwed it from on the bottom side.



The shelf was secured to the brackets with stainless steel hex head screws and washers.



I used hex heads which allowed the use of a socket and ratchet to tighten them because clearance was tight, making it difficult to get a proper screw driver on the head of the screw.



Last step will be to install lighting under it to help light the bench top.

Next will be the WSS in the old shop. Thanks everyone.

Thomas

 

[BB767]

.....One thought for you. With all the work going on have you considered a nice cover for the Vette? That white top may take on an unsightly hue over time if not covered. Ask me how I know. Dennis

Hi Dennis, yes indeed I've thought about a car cover. The shop is not its ultimate home but I need to take care none-the-less. When I'm fabricating, it's always been relocated well out of the way but still, "stuff" happens doesn't it? A drawback to a cover is I just like to look at it and frankly, I like looking at all my cars when I'm out in the shop or barn. Better safe than sorry though so I might need to cover it more often. Thanks for the gentle prod.

Thomas

Amen Chris! Well said. Thomas, you have one smart lady there.....

And boy don't I know it?! Just one of the many reasons I married that young lady. It can't be said often enough, she's the real secret to my success.

Lucky Thomas

Hey, if some duck call guys can do it, why not the very talented Thomas and Chris? Maybe we need to start a list of the catchy names from your GJ friends!!!??? Smile Chris, I'm just kidding.

Glad you told her you were only kidding 56vette461. You get her going on that and then staaannnnnd back.......

Thomas

 

[donnie]

...philips headed sheet metal screws and washers. Due to the nature of the installation it was not wise to try and clock the screws and potentially strip the hole in this case.

Clock phillips head screws....now you are worrying me.

Still following along on your journey.

 

[56vette461]

Hi Dennis, yes indeed I've thought about a car cover. The shop is not its ultimate home but I need to take care none-the-less. When I'm fabricating, it's always been relocated well out of the way but still, "stuff" happens doesn't it? A drawback to a cover is I just like to look at it and frankly, I like looking at all my cars when I'm out in the shop or barn. Better safe than sorry though so I might need to cover it more often. Thanks for the gentle prod.

Thomas



And boy don't I know it?! Just one of the many reasons I married that young lady. It can't be said often enough, she's the real secret to my success.

Lucky Thomas



Glad you told her you were only kidding 56vette461. You get her going on that and then staaannnnnd back.......

Thomas

I've been happily married to my bride for 43 years, I know very well when not to push the unhappy wife button, but sometimes I just can't help myself

 

[BB767]

......I know very well when not to push the unhappy wife button, but sometimes I just can't help myself

Yeah, especially when the unhappy wife button isn't your wife's but mine! Thanks a lot!!

Thomas

 

[hobbitss]

...philips headed sheet metal screws and washers. Due to the nature of the installation it was not wise to try and clock the screws and potentially strip the hole in this case. Besides it's just a barn, right?

The Imbalance emanating from the crooked Switch Plate has reached the Barn and could spread to any new construction!!!
Were the Stainless Philips Sheet Metal Screws properly Torqued and if so washers of varying thickness could be used to adjust the rotation end point to obtain a properly clocked status....

 

[markviii]

It's just your meanness coming out, Joe, from being cooped up all winter with thoughts of the future shed-dig. It's coming - just keep anticipating...

Chris

 

[hobbitss]

It's just your meanness coming out, Joe, from being cooped up all winter with thoughts of the future shed-dig. It's coming - just keep anticipating...

Chris

 

[BB767]

It has been unseasonably cold this year. If anyone is curious about how those gutter chains (instead of down spouts) work in winter...



...here's a excellant look at them. These are on the 4 car garage next to the Chris's picture framing shop.



As you can see you never need worry about down spouts getting plugged...



....or freezing up.



They work well and...



...last a long time, even in winter. They have been installed for 12 years now.

For those of you in the southwest or on say, the island of Malta and are unfamiliar with what you're seeing, it's called ice. It's a phenomena that occurs when there is precipitation outside and it's below 32º F (0º C). It's just like what you find in your freezers only it occurs naturally outside. More test "stuff" for ya!

Thomas